Batam to open first modern museum in 2018

Fadli

The Jakarta Post

Batam, Riau Islands |
Sun, July 16, 2017 | 05:06 pm

The Barelang Bridge that connect the islands of Batam, Rempang and Galang, Riau Islands. More than 100 items, consisting of ancient manuscripts and historical items, have reportedly been collected by the city administration to be showcased at the museum. (Shutterstock/File)

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A modern museum focusing on Batam's history from the Melayu perspective is slated to open in Batam, Riau Islands, in 2018.

Nestled in a 1,700-square meter building adorned in a mixture of Melayu and Middle Eastern designs with four towers on each corner, the place will be easily reached as it is right in front of the Batam Center International Ferry Terminal and Mega Mall shopping center.

"The museum is modern because it will utilize new media, such as infographics and digital monitor screens to tell a story that will easily grasp visitors' attention," said Riau Islands historian Aswandi Syahri who is also a member of the museum's concept team.

More than 100 items, consisting of ancient manuscripts and historical items, have reportedly been collected by the city administration to be showcased at the museum.

Regarding the museum collections, Aswandi said, "The items will reveal the story of Batam starting from the Bukit Siguntang era in the 7th century until present. It will [basically] describe the importance of Batam from the Melayu perspective."

The Museum Kota Batam will be the fifth museum in the Riau Islands province, but the first to offers such a modern and digital concept.

"This museum must have a modern concept to attract public attention. We have to learn from museums in Singapore that are able to become educational tourist destinations thanks to their interesting features," he said. (kes)